Wilhelm: Croghan prepared Fort Stephenson for British attack

Having just celebrated the anniversary of Croghan’s victory over the attacking British at Fort Stephenson on Aug. 2, 1813, it seems appropriate to share a few tidbits about the time leading up to the battle.

Originally, the fort was not much of a fort at all. “A History of Northwest Ohio” by Nevin O. Winter, says it was not much more than earthworks surrounded by a ditch.

It was pretty much up to George Croghan to whip the fort into shape.

According to the book, “(T)he walls of Fort Stephenson were made of logs about 18 inches thick and 10 feet or more in height, some of which were round and others flat on one side. These logs were set perpendicularly in the earth each one being crowded close against its neighbor and sharpened at the top. The entire enclosure measured about an acre. When Captain (Should say Major) Croghan arrived at Fort Stephenson, he labored day and night to place it in a state of defense. He excavated a ditch several feet deep and about nine feet wide, throwing the earth against the foot of the pickets, and grading it sharply down to the bottom of the ditch. A little later the enclosure was doubled in size and, in order to prevent the enemy from scaling the walls, large logs were placed on top of the fort and so adjusted that the least weight would cause them to fall from their position upon anyone attempting to climb.”

Major George Croghan led the American troops to victory over the attacking British at Fort Stephenson on Aug. 2, 1813.(Photo: File)

Interestingly, prior to his famous order directing Croghan to abandoned and destroy the fort, Gen. William Henry Harrison left him these orders: “Should the British troops approach you in force with cannon and you discover them in time to effect a retreat, you will do so immediately, destroying all the public stores. You must be aware that an attempt to retreat in the face of an Indian force would be vain. Against such an enemy, your garrison would be safe, however great the number.”

Croghan apparently was well aware of the Indians because he said that their presence was a factor in his failing to evacuate the fort after belatedly receiving the order to do so. (Amazing to me given all the western movies I have watched, Harrison’s order reportedly arrived late because the Indian guides got lost.)

“A History of Northwest Ohio” also reports that General Harrison narrowly escaped being murdered at Fort Seneca. According to the story, a number of “friendly” Indians had joined Harrison’s troops and among these was a Shawnee who planned to kill Harrison. Foolishly, he had revealed his plans to a young Delaware chief by the name of Beaver who was friendly to the general. Beaver reportedly killed the would-be assassin.

Roy Wilhelm started a 40-year career at The News-Messenger in 1965 as a reporter. Now retired, he writes a column for both The News-Messenger and News Herald.